Picture: The Hawks arrest the Maquassi Hills Local Municipality employee
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The 52-years-old suspect was arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation on Wednesday for alleged fraud. The Hawks’ spokesperson in the North West, Capt Tlangelani Rikhotso said the suspect who is employed by the Maquassi Hills Municipality as a Technician allegedly approached a client who’s municipal account was in arrears of approximately R1 million and offered to cancel the debt in exchange for a payment of R112 000.
“Then the matter was reported to the Hawks and the suspect was arrested during an operation after he was found in possession of the R112 000 which was paid to him by the client,” Rikhotso said.
She said the suspect will appear at the Wolmaranstad Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
Picture: Greater Taung Local Municipality speaker, Ebusang Tladi
By STAFF REPORTER
The Greater Taung Local Municipality speaker, Ebusang Tladi said he fears for his life. This comes after Tladi received a WhatsApp messages insinuating that he was scheming with the municipality’s Chief Whip, Joyce Malepe to oust the Municipal Manager, Katlego Gabanakgosi, and some Directors those who disobey their orders.
However, defiant Tladi denied sending those disparaging messages to anyone. He confirmed to Taung DailyNews that he also received death threats a few days after the leaked bogus messages making rounds on social media platforms.
“On Friday, I was from the North West Provincial Taxi Lekgotlha in Rustenburg and on my way out of Koster, I received a call from the ANC Chief Whip in the Greater Taung Local Municipality, Joyce Malepe asking me about the string of messages that I have sent out.
“I asked her which messages is she referring to and she promised to send those messages through WhatsApp. Shockingly, those messages depict and insinuate that I had a conversation with her where we ploy against other members,” he said.
Tladi further said some of the messages imply that they are also planning to re-shuffle the exco. He added he also received death threats messages a few days after.
“This prompted me to open defamation of character and intimidation case at Taung Police Station. Many people believed that it was me who sent out those messages. I received many calls from various people including the ANC leadership.
“I normally do not respond to anything that is said about me, but these damning messages affect my reputation. I am a leader and a man of integrity, so I cannot allow disgruntled individuals to tarnish my character just like that,” said Tladi.
He believed that there are some individuals who want to hijack the municipality and use it for self-enrichment. Tladi said his detractors labelled him as a ‘stumbling block’ at the municipality hence he is targeted.
“Some of my detractors have done this before back in 2016. This is not the only story because on Thursday last week, I received a SMS where a person asked me why I am talking bad about them.
“I called that person, but he/she did not pick up the phone. He/she said bad things about me through the messages and I did not know who that was. I believe that people want me dead simply because I defeated them,” he said.
Tladi added that he was also allegedly attacked on Wednesday at the North West Provincial Legislature when the municipality appeared before the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA).
Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said: “We can confirm that the case in question has been opened. No one has been arrested at this stage and investigation into the matter continues.”
More than one million learners will be sitting for their National Senior Certificate final examinations across the country on Thursday. The combined examination for National Senior Certificate (NSC) candidates makes this the largest cohort with 1 058 699 candidates.
North West Premier, Prof Job Mokgoro described the year 2020 calendar which came with the COVID-19 pandemic as a true character test for learners especially the matriculants. However, Mokgoro believes that learners will prevail and come out victorious from their final year examinations.
“The character of the learners has never ever been tested like the Class of 2020 due to coronavirus. They had to endure what no other generation of learners has ever endured.
“They went into a lockdown with uncertainty, losing learning time as well as the re-opening of schools under difficult conditions with new measures of wearing masks, sanitizing and keeping social distance,” he said.
Mokgoro further said despite all the difficulties, learners reached this stage. He added that they have demonstrated that they will certainly put North West right at the number one position.
“We admire your courage, determination, and well-done in defeating the pandemic. We know you’re going to do even better in your examination. We also want to pay our gratitude to MEC Wendy Matsemela for her leadership and guidance during this period.
“We also thank educators who had to go through the unchartered territories as they navigated their way to assist learners to complete their curriculum by racing against time. Despite all these challenges, matriculants and educators remained focused and committed,” said Mokgoro.
He added that a true character can only be built from tough circumstances and that’s why he believes that the Matric Class of 2020 will do well. Mokgoro wished everyone all the best in this year’s final examinations.
“We also thanked the parents and communities at large for their support to learners through programs such as “Ngwana Sejo wa Tlhakanelwa”. We urge parents to assist learners to study hard, take deserving breaks, to eat and rest well as this is the good recipe for passing examinations,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Portfolio Committee Chairperson on Basic Education,
Bongiwe Mbinqo-Gigaba said: “We would like to wish all candidates the best of luck with the upcoming final examinations. We urge them to continue working hard and to keep their focus.
“These examinations are the culmination of the last 12 years of schooling. We know it has been a challenging academic year, but we support you no matter what. It was a very unusual academic year for this class.”
She added that the committee has been assured by both the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and the Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training (Umalusi) that it is all systems go for the examinations.
Mbinqo-Gigaba said the sector has had to drastically increase its efforts to ensure that the Class of 2020 is fully-prepared to sit for the NSC examination, despite the disruptions of the academic year. She said the committee commends the DBE for providing additional support to learners because of the loss of academic time due to Covid-19.
“Supplementary material, holiday classes, after-school programs, teacher content training, placement of volunteer teachers, as well as alternative (differentiated) ways of grouping and teaching learners were provided to assist this cohort.”
“The sector has placed a strong emphasis on areas such as psycho-social support for learners and teachers, curriculum coverage monitoring, extra school-based tuition, such as morning, afternoon, and weekend classes, ICT utilisation on television, radio, and web-based platforms; and peer-led study groups,” she said.
The June examinations for both full and part-time candidates had to be cancelled due to the outbreak of Covid-19. Grade 12 learners are expected to sit for their examination from 5 November to 15 December 2020.
Residents of Huhudi in Vryburg welcomed the construction of an R80 million school project. North West Education department performed a sod-turning ceremony on Monday.
North West MEC for Education, Wendy Matsemela said the construction of the school will provide quality education and learning environment for the Huhudi Extension 25 learners in Vryburg.
“The new settlement in Vryburg informally called Colour Block did not have a school and learners were subjected to attend school in the old location by means of scholar transport. This is a sign of the department to give assurance to the Huhudi community of the much-awaited project.
“Today, we brought a massive school project for the community of Extension 25 to the value of R80 763 027.60. This project is going to change this community forever by planting a seed of knowledge to the learners of this place. The school project duration is only 18 months and we should work together to meet the deadline,” she said.
Matsemela urged the community to guard against any form of vandalism once the school is completed. She further said the school will constitute of 24 classrooms, administration block, school hall, dining and nutrition block, Grade R block, library and computer lab, change rooms, tuck shop, security house and security fence.
“The community expressed that this development will have a long-lasting positive influence on the children from Extension 25,” she said.
North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha appointed two professors to strengthen the capacity at the Brits District Hospital. This comes after a public outcry by the community, which were sparked by a video clip posted on social media (Facebook) by a community member whose mother was admitted to the hospital on the 19th October 2020.
Sambatha said that the picture depicted in the video clips is indeed a true indication of the challenges faced by the hospital.
“Patients were not fairly treated and consequence management will be applied. I must say I find the treatment of the complainant’s mother and other persons that were lying on the floor inhumane, unprofessional unacceptable, and lacking empathy.
“For that, I must be upfront in saying that we apologise to the patients, the family, community and the rest of South Africa. A report given to me was that, the mother of the complainant was brought to the hospital on 19 October 2020 with history of an acute neurological event,” said Samabatha.
He added that there was up to 3 hours delay before she was attended to. Sambatha further said it was also revealed that the person who escorted the patient was forcefully removed from the casualty by security and denied access to the unit and the mother.
“The patient and others in the casualty unit sat on uncomfortable seats or slept on the floor for up to 16 hours. It was concluded that the care provided was sub-optimal and particularly a staff attitude towards patients and escorts was very poor. At this point, the complainant recorded the state of the casualty and posted it on social media.
“Poor clinical governance was identified as a key challenge for the hospital that has a big influence on the undesirable conditions at the hospital. In order to strengthen these areas, we have taken a decision to appoint Professor John Tumbu, Professor Benu Luke and the Clinical Manager of JST to oversee the strengthening of clinical governance prescripts and quality assurance,” he said.
Sambatha also said the department will appoint quality assurance officers and implement the Ideal Hospital Framework. He said a dysfunctional patient filling system will also be addressed through strengthening of patient management systems.
“This intervention will cover filling and archiving systems. The two, Professor Tumbu and Professor Luke have been elevated to Provincial status to support all the Districts. Their work will also cover the strengthening of the quality assurance unit and to ensure the implementation of standard clinical governance prescripts.
“There will be visible systems re-organisation in the service units to improve patient flow and records management. A decision was taken to strengthen a provincial representation in the intervention. As a result, a team led by the Administrator which comprises of labour representatives, representatives of staff members, hospital board, and district management will oversee implementation of all these resolutions,” said Sambatha.
In terms of leadership, it was revealed that there is a lack of substantive appointees in key leadership positions. However, Sambatha said the department has taken a decision to fast-track the appointment of senior managers at the hospital including the position of Clinical, Nursing, and Allied Managers as well as speeding up the disciplinary hearing of the substantive CEO.
More than a million candidates will sit for the examinations starting on Thursday. South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa said congratulated the provincial and national departments of Basic Education for their sterling preparation to ensure things proceed smoothly.
Ramaphosa said these include the independent and public auditing of examination centres, finding extra venues to accommodate the large number of candidates, and the development of protocols to ensure compliance by candidates and officials with COVID-19 regulations.
“The Class of 2020 has had to endure conditions their predecessors never had to confront. They had to adapt in real time not just to finish the curriculum but to catch up with the learning hours lost. Though some had access to online learning platforms and other resources, many had to struggle with access to learning material and teaching.
“They had to endure the mental strain of social isolation, and for many months were cut off from friends and their teachers. They were not able to participate in sporting, recreational and leisure activities that are so essential to a well-rounded life and that relieve the stresses of prolonged study,” he said.
Ramaphosa added that, despite having the odds stacked against them, learners are determined to present for this exam that is the pinnacle of their schooling. He further said it has been equally difficult for educators.
“Despite the risk posed by the virus and resource challenges inside our schools, the majority of our teachers heeded the call to return to school to salvage what was left of the academic year. They presented for work every day to support our matriculants.
“They put in the extra hours to get our learners over the finish line, making the most of the resources they had to ensure learning continued. It is the culmination of twelve years of schooling and a gruelling final year of preparation. For many this is an exciting moment, but one that is also fraught with anxiety,” said Ramaphosa.
He said this year’s exam will be written under unprecedented conditions has the country is in the midst of a global pandemic. Ramaphosa added that the nationwide lockdown that had to be imposed in March to contain the spread of the coronavirus caused immense disruption to everyday life and cost valuable hours of learning and study.
“To accommodate the disruptions the June Senior Certificate exams were postponed and will now be written together with the National Senior Certificate. This makes this combined examination the largest public exam ever administered in South Africa.
“I salute our educators who have been there for their students when they were needed most. They have given so much, personally and professionally. They put our learners first and in doing so affirmed once more that our teachers are among our finest public servants,” said Ramaphosa.
He said this pandemic has brought the nation together in ways not experienced before, and this was demonstrated in the matriculation examination preparations. Ramphosa said many businesses played a supportive role, assisting with the provision of technology like tablets to schools and assisting to resource school multimedia centres.
“Mobile network operators established e-school platforms during the lockdown carrying free learning content, including subject content for matriculants. University graduates set up tutoring platforms online, making much needed supplementary learning support available for free.
“The SABC and other TV providers have carried catch-up lessons for matric learners through the Department of Basic Education’s Woza Matrics Programme, enabling learners to prepare for the examinations,” he said.
Ramphosa also applauded parents, families and communities for showing immensely support to young people’s path to the matric exam. He said despite all the challenges this year has brought, he call on the Class of 2020 to summon their great reserves of courage and strength in this, the final push.
“To the Class of 2020, I wish you the very best. You have overcome difficulties that would test the resolve of even the most experienced and hardened adults. At your tender age, there are so many demands upon you. There are the pressures of rigorous study, the pressure to excel and to achieve the results you need to study further. And yet you have come this far.
“When you enter the exam room in the days ahead, you will be carrying not just your own hopes for success and those of your families. You will also carry the hopes of us, the South African people. We are immensely proud of you and wish you the very best of luck,” he said.
Picture: Deputy Minister of environment, forestry and fisheries, Makhotso Sotyu and Deputy Minister for Home Affairs, Njabulo Nzuza at Taung Skull World Heritage Site
By OBAKENG MAJE
Residents of Taung are calling for the return of Taung Skull. The 2.5 million years old fossilized skull of a hominid child that was found encased in limestone in the Buxton quarry back in 1924, was taken to the University of Witwatersrand in Braamfontein, Gauteng.
Now, the residents say the fossil must return to its origin. Segametsi Leeuw from Tamasikwe village near Buxton said the return of the fossil will boost the economy of Taung.
“We have the most beautiful World Heritage Site in Taung that has been neglected for years. Tourists flock to our area every year to come and see where the fossil was found. However, our area remains poor and underdeveloped. The North West Provincial government has failed dismally to develop this area and ensure that it creates job opportunities for the locals.
“Remember, this scientific area is so significant because there is an ongoing debate amongst academics in the field that human ancestors had lived on the continent more than a million years earlier than previously believed,” she said.
One of unemployed youth in Buxton, Tebogo Masike shared the same sentiments. Masike said Taung was supposed to be the tourism hub in the province.
“Taung is rich in three aspects which are mining, tourism, and agriculture but our government does not notice that. We are calling for the return of the fossil because that will boost our economy. Recently, deputy ministers visited the area and promised to come back. It has been long overdue since the fossil left for the University of Witswatersrand.
“We have seen many companies coming and going trying to develop the area, but nothing tangible has been done thus far. We would like to see our area being developed and creating job opportunities. So, we call on our people across Taung to be steadfast and demand what’s rightfully theirs,” he said.
Meanwhile, the deputy minister of environment, forestry, and fisheries, Makhotso Sotyu said: “We have visited Taung in our capacities as District Development Model Champions. President Cyril Ramaphosa in the 2019 Presidency Budget Speech identified the pattern of operating in silos as a challenge, which led to a lack of coherence in planning and implementation.
“This has made monitoring and oversight of the government’s program difficult. The consequence has been non-optimal delivery of services and diminished impact on the triple challenges of poverty, inequality, and employment. The President further called for the rolling out of a new integrated district-based approach to addressing our service delivery challenges and localise procurement and job creation, that promotes and supports local businesses, and that involves communities.”
She said their visit was only to come and view what is needed and to have an understanding of what kind of challenges is facing the communities here. Sotyu added that they asked for the profile of the area and amongst issues that were raised by the communities and leadership here, where the issue of the Taung Skull.
“So, we decided to come and view the place and see how it looks like so that when we go back we come up with some means to create economical activities around here. On our way here, we had a problem with roads as they were not accessible. We also identified that there is a lack of a provision of water and sanitation.
“There are beautiful buildings here, but the problem is that there is no water. The lack of water forces these buildings to become white elephants and we have also realized that there is a lot of theft and vandalism taking place here,” she said.
Deputy Minister for Home Affairs, Njabulo Nzuza said they have identified a number of issues from the presentation they received mainly involving building strategic infrastructure, which involves amongst others making sure that there is water so that all the tourism notes that are in this area are able to prosper and people create job opportunities.
Meanwhile, the Australopithecus africanus relic as Taung Skull was named by Professor Raymond Dart is still at the University of Witwatersrand.
Picture: Deputy Minister, Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu and MTN SA Foundation Director, Arthur Mukhuvha
By BAKANG MOKOTO
The residents of Ipelegeng Township near Schweizer Reneke, welcomed the launch of a new computer lab. This comes after the Deputy Minister for Social Development, Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu in partnership with MTN Foundation launched the centre recently.
Mase Makgoane (26) said the computer lab will assist many youth from disadvantaged backgrounds to access computers. Makgoane added that a computer lab will also create a space where learning and educational activities can be executed.
“I want to applaud the department of social development along with its partner, MTN Foundation for considering our community. Many people, especially the youth do not have smart phones to access internet and that count against us.
“We need to be on the same level with the global community and ensure that we are equipped with technology. Many schools are moving to digital platform and use technology for educational methods. We will also be able to access internet at any given time because data is too expensive,” she said.
Another resident, Thabiso Dire (19) shared the same sentiments. Dire said computer labs create inclusive, structured learning environments, where learners can prepare for a tech-heavy future.
“We have socio-economic challenges in our area and I hope this will minimize the chances of boredom. I hope my fellow youth will make positive use of this computer lab and stop engaging in negative activities such as crime, alcohol and drugs abuse because that might ruin their future.
“We also urge our fellow community members to ensure that the computer lab is safe and no one steal or vandalise it. I will visit the centre to study more about technology and make use of the internet too,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bogopane-Zulu said they established a partnership with MTN SA Foundation to institute Multi-Media Computer Laboratories that are responsive to the improvement and enhancement of the quality of life of poor and vulnerable sectors within the community.
She further said Ipelegeng Community Care Centre was identified as one of the centres, which will benefit from this partnership.
“This will enable the Ipelegeng community to acquire the relevant skills for future opportunities. The centre is part of efforts to carry the community along in South Africa’s digital advances.
“As we move into the digital age, rural areas are not left out. They must also be able to interact with what is happening in the country virtually, participate in webinars and be heard virtually. The centre comes with connectivity for the next 24 months, which will enable our children to access computers,” said Bogopane-Zulu.
She added that the computers at the centre are loaded with a comprehensive digital content from Grade R to Matric. Bogopane-Zulu said the centre will also be serving as a catch-up space, where young people can come and do their school work.
“Learners have lost a lot in their studies because of COVID-19 lockdown. A total of five multimedia centres are to be rolled out across the province,” Bogopane Zulu said.
MTN SA Foundation Director, Arthur Mukhuvha said technology is crucial to teaching and learning especially now that the world is dealing with a pandemic. Mukhuvha added that the country is dealing with the pandemic at the moment that has affected everyone one way or the other.
“MTN is using the power of technology to assist the community with much-needed technology to advance learning and research, but more importantly again for the community to acquire a new set of skills in the new modern world,” he said.
Various areas in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region continues to be affected by water challenges. Some residents in Cokonyane, Taung Extension, and Vryburg said they have lost hope.
One of the residents, Mmasabatha Mokai said water scarcity affects their livelihoods. Mokai said the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality does not care about their well-being amid COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is so sad to see the municipality ignoring the fact that water is the most pivotal basic need. Water is one of the absolute essentials for life, but we are struggling. We are forced to wake up at around 4am to be able to get water from taps.
“During the day, water taps are running dry and we cannot bathe nor do laundry. We urge the municipality to ensure that we get water regularly. How does the government expect us to adhere to COVID-19 regulations without water?” she asked.
Another resident, Mosimanegape Mosimanetau shared the same sentiments. Mosimanetau said water assists them to maintain proper hygiene.
“Proper hygiene is one of the best ways to ward off preventable diseases. The current COVID-19 pandemic is driving this point home stronger than ever, as hand-washing is one of the best tools we have in slowing the spread of the disease.
“We sometimes spend three days without access to drinking water. However, I can see that the problem is water tinkering. Some individuals are conniving with government officials to ensure that the water tinkering system is in place so that they can benefit,” he said.
However, the embattled executive mayor for the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Boitumelo Mahlangu who downplayed the issue, said they are not getting enough water that can be provided to larger communities. However, Mahlangu said there is a bulk water project that they are building and it was supposed to be completed a long time ago.
“The project is about nine years now and we are trying by all means to complete it. The reservoirs are ready but the project has been stopped by unnecessary things that were not even supposed to be the cause.
“Now, we hope that by December, we will be able to provide the whole community of Taung with water. We will also share that water with Naledi and Pudimoe. Remember, there will be things people want to see happening and also we might not have a financial stability to implement whatever they need,” she said.
Mahlangu also added that they will visit the Vaalharts Scheme in Maphoitsile village near Taung and address this matter. The municipality invested R150 million of taxpayers’ money into the VBS Mutual Bank of which R100 million was from the Regional Infrastructure Grant (RIG), while R25 million from the Equitable Share-Free Basic Services and R25 million was from the Building Fund.
Heartfelt condolence messages continue to pour into the Setlhapelo’s family after the passing of Omphemetse “Onketsang” Setlhapelo. A much-loved Vaaltar FM broadcaster is described as the man who mentored and guided many to reach their niche within the radio industry.
Legendary radio personality, Setlhapelo (42) who was known to mesmerised his listeners with a stunning voice, met his untimely death on Saturday night at Jan Kempdorp in Northern Cape. Northern Cape police spokesperson, Capt Sergio Kock said the radio broadcaster was allegedly hit by a car while trying to cross the N18 road.
“The police in Jan Kempdorp are investigating a case of culpable homicide after an alleged accident occurred on the N18 road near Jan Kempdorp Bridge or hiking spot. The incident happened on Saturday just before midnight.
“It is alleged that the pedestrian tried to cross the road when a white Toyota Double cab bakkie hit him. Setlhapelo died on the scene,” Kock said.
He urged anyone with information to contact Detective Constable Modise Mosheo on 0609769057.
Meanwhile, Vaaltar FM’s Board of Directors chairperson, Tsholofelo Moepeng said: “We are profoundly saddened by the untimely death of one of our icons. Onketsang as Setlhapelo was affectionately known to his fans will be missed for his selfless contribution to the success of the station since he was still serving as a presenter years ago.
“His passing will leave a void to be felt not only by Vaaltar FM, but the sector as a whole. It is against the backdrop of the above that in memory of this handsome man, Vaaltar FM will intensify its struggle to realise that this indispensable community radio project lives up to its historic mandate of being the voice of the voiceless and the centre for excellence.”
Moepeng added that as the Board of the station, they still believe that there is no other medium of broadcast most relevant to the communities similar to that of Greater Taung and its surrounding population with similar socio-economic setting. He said ideally, this serves as a clarion call for concerted efforts in support and sustenance of this crucial community asset from everyone.
“We extend our deepest sympathy to Setlhapelo’s colleagues and co-workers at the station, as well as to his friends across the wider society. Vaaltar FM wishes to extend special condolences to the family and relatives of Mr Setlhapelo that God has not forsaken them and their loss is ours and we share the same tears.
“It is for this reason that we dip our banner in respect of this radio guru who fought for, and lived his dreams, in the face of heavy critics. The invitation is hereby extended to all to come in multitudes and join the march alongside Onketsang’s mortal remains in the last journey to his resting place at Pudumoe on Sunday,” he said.
Setlhapelo was serving as the Programmes Manager at the station during his passing. One of his colleagues, Bontle Riet shared the same sentiments. Riet said in this tragic moment, they must celebrate the long life lived by Setlhapelo, instead of letting those happy memories fade away in mourning.
“I know words do little to ease the pain we feel because such a lovely soul passed on. My thoughts and prayers are with the Setlhapelo family. It was a joy to work in the presence of Mr. Omphemetse Penrose Setlhapelo.
“This loss is felt by many. May the memories of his wonderful personality and many contributions be celebrated by all,” she said.
Vaaltar FM will hold a memorial service for Setlhapelo on Friday at 3pm, while his funeral will take place at his home in Pudumoe Township near Taung on Sunday.
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